PARKWAY Parade will stay shut at least until tomorrow for repairs to its fire protection system, compromised by a fire that occurred at the mall three days ago.
The closure includes the carpark so workers in the office tower, which is open, will have to park elsewhere.
“The fire caused damage to essential cabling for the fire protection system. We are working on reinstatement, followed by testing and commissioning,” said its general manager Jenny Khoo.
No one was injured when the fire broke out at a shop on level two of the seven-storey mall in Marine Parade around midnight on Sunday.
The building – managed by Lend Lease, including the carpark – was closed on Monday and yesterday for checks and rectification works.
Mall employees were manning a side entrance, only letting in those who said they were going to the adjoining office tower or the banks on level one, which were open.
A retailer who declined to be named said some goods placed on the floor of his shop at the basement were damaged. Some parts of the false ceiling had also collapsed.
“It’s not that bad. We are calling our insurance company to come down and take a look, before we write a report to the mall to claim compensation.”
A spokesman for Dairy Farm Group, which runs Giant and Cold Storage in the mall, said it had notified its insurers to assess the extent of damage.
Despite a notice at the main entrances indicating that the mall was closed, some bewildered shoppers were seen waving their hands in front of the automated glass doors.
Student Alexis Lee, 21, who went to the mall to buy groceries, was surprised to hear the news.
“It’s inconvenient but I’ll just go to the FairPrice nearby,” she said.
mellinjm@sph.com.sg
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